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Montgomery County, TX – Chase Johnson, a rising star in the youth rodeo circuit, is earning national recognition while upholding a proud family tradition of Western excellence. Born into a legacy of skilled rodeo riders, Chase began roping as soon as he could walk — and hasn’t stopped since.

The young cowboy is the great-great-grandson of Olga Smith, a trailblazing Black rancher and rodeo organizer in East Texas, and the son of rodeo champion Frank Johnson. With this heritage behind him, Chase has become one of the most decorated young ropers in the country.

From the Houston Livestock Show to Vegas Tuffest and Joe Beaver’s Junior Rodeos, Chase’s resume is filled with wins and top-five national finishes in both Calf Roping and Team Roping. But beyond the buckles and trophies, those who know him best describe Chase as humble, dedicated, and a true role model in and out of the arena.

Backed by major sponsors like Sanders Ranch and Easley Enterprises, and mentored by rodeo legends, Chase Johnson is proving that the future of rodeo is in good hands.

Read the full story here:
👉 https://www.yourconroenews.com/neighborhood/moco/events/article/young-montgomery-county-cowboy-continues-family-20342358.php

By Lori Sartain
Equestrian Correspondent

Whether it’s a trail ride on a quiet afternoon or a competitive event under the lights, professional trainers and safety experts agree: the boots you wear matter more than you think.

Riding boots have long been a standard in the equestrian world — but their purpose goes far beyond tradition or fashion. According to certified riding instructors and veterinarians, wearing the correct footwear when riding is essential for safety, support, and performance.

“It’s one of the most overlooked aspects of rider safety,” said Emily Thompson, a veteran riding instructor and safety consultant. “The wrong shoes can turn a minor fall into a serious injury.”
 

A proper riding boot is designed with a distinct heel — typically between 1 and 1.5 inches — which helps keep the foot from sliding through the stirrup. This feature, along with a smooth sole, is crucial to preventing dangerous entrapments in case of a fall.

Additionally, quality riding boots offer ankle support and durable materials such as leather, which can protect the rider’s foot and lower leg from friction, weather, and unexpected contact.

Riders wearing sneakers, fashion boots, or sandals not only lack grip and support, but also put themselves at serious risk. Without a defined heel, a foot can slip too far into the stirrup — a leading cause of riders being dragged after a fall.

Thompson warns that too many first-time riders underestimate the role of their footwear.

“You wouldn’t show up to a construction site in slippers,” she said. “You shouldn’t get on a 1,200-pound horse without the right gear, either.”
 

Western riders tend to favor cowboy boots with higher shafts, while English riders wear paddock boots or tall field boots, designed to aid in discipline-specific posture and control.

Though the styles may vary, the goals remain the same: foot security, stirrup safety, and rider confidence.

“Proper boots make a better rider,” said Thompson. “You’ll sit better, ride better, and most importantly, stay safer.”
 

Many riding schools now require students to wear approved boots as part of their entry-level gear, even for lessons on a lunge line. Retailers offer a wide range of affordable, beginner-friendly options that still meet safety standards.

Ultimately, equine professionals agree that riding boots aren’t just an accessory — they’re a piece of personal protective equipment.

“When it comes to riding,” Thompson said, “boots aren’t optional. They’re essential.”

Tasmanian Court Ruling and University of Sydney Study Reignite Debate Over Whip Use in Horse Racing

HOBART, 30 May 2025 — A groundbreaking ruling by a Tasmanian court on May 27 has found that padded whips cause pain and suffering to horses, marking the first legal decision since their introduction in 2009 to challenge their use in Thoroughbred racing. The judgment is being hailed as a landmark moment in the push for improved animal welfare in the racing industry and coincides with damning research from the University of Sydney that exposes widespread breaches of whip rules and enforcement failures.

The court ruling follows a prosecution under Tasmania’s animal welfare laws and sets a powerful precedent by confirming that even padded whips inflict pain. The decision has emboldened animal rights organizations, including the Coalition for the Protection of Racehorses, to renew urgent calls for an outright ban on whip use in horse racing.

“The science has always been clear, but now the law agrees: whips hurt horses,” said Elio Celotto, Campaign Director for the Coalition. “This ruling, backed by research, makes it indefensible to allow this cruelty to continue under the guise of sport.”

Supporting this legal development is a peer-reviewed study from the University of Sydney, which used frame-by-frame video analysis of 15 race finishes to examine 350 rider-horse interactions. The study revealed that 64% of whip strikes involved the unpadded section of the whip making contact with the horse, and 75% landed on sensitive areas such as the abdomen and flank—locations that contravene international welfare standards.

Significantly, the study found that many of these breaches were not recorded by race stewards, highlighting a systemic failure in regulatory enforcement. The researchers noted that stewards lack the necessary video technology—such as ultra-high-speed cameras—to detect rule violations, meaning much of the abuse goes unpunished.

“This research shows that the current whip rules are not only inadequate but virtually unenforceable,” said Professor Paul McGreevy, lead author of the study. “It’s time to acknowledge that policing whip use through visual observation alone is flawed.”

Both the court ruling and the study add momentum to a growing wave of criticism from veterinarians, welfare groups, and the broader public. Polls suggest that a majority of Australians—74%—oppose whip use, and nearly nine in ten say a ban would not affect their interest in the sport.

In the United States, the use of padded whips remains permitted but is subject to varying regulations across jurisdictions. The Horseracing Integrity and Safety Authority (HISA), established under the federal Horseracing Integrity and Safety Act of 2020, sets national standards, including a limit of six strikes per race. Violations can result in fines and suspensions. For instance, in May 2025, jockey Junior Alvarado was fined $62,000 and suspended for two racing days after exceeding the permitted number of strikes during the Kentucky Derby. Reuters+2Wikipedia+2The Guardian+2Reuters+1The Guardian+1

However, enforcement and specific rules can vary by state. California, for example, restricts whip use to six times per race, mandates underhanded strikes, and prohibits more than two consecutive strikes without allowing the horse to respond. New Jersey has implemented the most stringent rule, permitting whip use solely for safety reasons, effectively banning its use for encouragement during races. AQHA+5ESPN.com+5TDN+5FOX Sports+1AP News+1

Advocates are urging Racing Australia and state regulators to act swiftly in light of the mounting evidence. “With public sentiment, scientific research, and now a court ruling all aligned, there’s no justification left,” said Celotto. “The whip must go.”

As pressure mounts, all eyes are on the Australian racing authorities to respond decisively. Whether this moment leads to meaningful reform or another missed opportunity remains to be seen.

Lori Walker Sartain

Trusted Hooves: Why a Good Farrier Is Essential for Your Horse’s Health

By Lori Walker Sartain

When it comes to horse care, few relationships are as vital—and often overlooked—as the one between a horse owner and their farrier. More than just a professional who trims hooves and fits shoes, a skilled farrier plays a key role in keeping horses healthy, sound, and performing at their best.

I have had many farriers and they have had great qualities.  My farrier now is Katherine Marks.  She is one of the best I have had in my years of owning horses.  

"Your farrier is like a combination of podiatrist and physical therapist for your horse," says Dr. Emily Rhodes, an equine veterinarian in Kentucky. "A good trim or shoeing job can mean the difference between a happy, working horse and one that's sidelined with lameness or discomfort."

A horse's hooves grow continuously and need attention every 6 to 8 weeks. Left unchecked, overgrown or unbalanced hooves can lead to serious problems, including joint strain, tendon injuries, and infections like thrush or white line disease. In performance horses, even slight irregularities can impact gait, behavior, and success in the ring.

But the benefits of a good farrier go beyond the trim. Experienced farriers often spot early signs of health issues—from shifting weight patterns to abnormal hoof wear—that can alert owners to problems before they become emergencies. They also work closely with veterinarians to manage chronic conditions like laminitis or navicular syndrome.  Katherine has helped me keep my boy Shiloh from Whiteline which is he prone to get in the months when we have a lot of rain.

"Consistency is everything," says John Meyers, a vet with over 20 years of experience. "If you switch farriers too often or wait too long between visits, your horse can suffer. Building a relationship with someone who knows your horse's history is crucial."

Finding a reliable, qualified farrier means doing your homework—checking credentials, getting recommendations, and looking for someone who stays updated on best practices. And once you find the right one, keeping a regular schedule and open communication is key.

In the world of equine care, flashy gear and fancy feed may get more attention, but the steady work of a good farrier is often what keeps horses on their feet—literally.  I am lucky to have found Katherine and it is worth looking until you find the right fit in a farrier for your horses.

As the old saying goes: “No hoof, no horse.” And in barns across the country, the value of a good farrier proves that every step counts.

Mark Your Calendars: Exciting Horse Events Coming Up Across the Southeast and Beyond

Summer is heating up, and so is the equestrian calendar! Whether you’re a competitor, spectator, or lifelong horse enthusiast, there’s no shortage of thrilling events to attend in the coming weeks. From world-class show jumping to elegant dressage, here’s a quick look at what’s coming up:

World Equestrian Center – Ocala, Florida
The WEC in Ocala continues to be a premier destination for equestrian sport. Upcoming highlights include:

• 2025 Ocala Summer Series Opener: June 4–8
   
• Ocala Summer Series I: June 10–15
  These multi-day events feature top-level show jumping, state-of-the-art facilities, and a family-friendly atmosphere.
   

USEF-Sanctioned Events Nationwide
The United States Equestrian Federation (USEF) has a packed schedule this season, including:

• Sapphire Grand Prix of Devon – A long-standing fan favorite known for its electric atmosphere and elite competitors.
   
• US Equestrian and The Pennsylvania National Horse Show – Both major fixtures on the national show calendar offering diverse disciplines and prestigious titles.
   

Tryon International Equestrian Center – Tryon, North Carolina
Known for its world-class amenities and scenic mountain views, TIEC will host the:

• Magnolia in the Mountains Sport Horse Classic, an event that blends Southern charm with top-tier competition.
   

Stable View – Spring Hill, Alabama
This rising star on the Southern circuit is home to high-caliber dressage and eventing. Coming up:

• USEF/USDF “Summer Solstice” Dressage, a must-see for fans of precision and elegance in the saddle.
   

From Florida to Pennsylvania, these events are a great opportunity to support the sport, connect with fellow horse lovers, and watch some of the best riders and horses in the country compete. Be sure to check individual event websites for details, ticketing, and schedules—and don’t forget your sunscreen!

I have owned Horses for more than 30 years and I was so lucky to never have a horse get "Heaves."  "Heaves" in horses refers to Recurrent Airway Obstruction (RAO), a chronic, obstructive lung disease similar to asthma in humans, characterized by labored breathing, coughing, and potentially a "heave line" along the abdomen. 

But two years ago my Big Boy started coughing.  I have owned him for more than 8 years and he had never had issues before.  I called the Vet and he got a couple of shots and said he would never be healed of it, we would just have to treat it.

After research, I bought a nebulizer.  I would do treatments every other day.  He did not like them.  They helped a bit but not enough.  We would have to give him more shots.  

I did more research and found several retail products.  I tried 3 different ones.  One worked better than the others.  Each took weeks, this took months.  The one that worked the main ingredient was Mullien Leaf.  I started reading up on it.  The product cost me $80 a month.  

I started thinking. if this herb works what if there are more that might help.  So I researched every herb for respiratory issues.  Then I cross referenced which ones were safe for horses.

There were 8 herbs and vitamins that helped.  So I bought 1/4 lb of each in powder form online.

When it came in, I mixed all the powders together and made my own concoction.  I then took two tablespoons of the powder put it in a cup and added 1 tablespoon of water, maybe a dash more and made a paste.  

I would give Big Boy the herbs and 11 Claritin in the morning and the herbs only in the afternoon. 

I would simply put it in his feed and stir it around.  HE LOVES IT.  One of the herbs is peppermint.  He can't wait to eat his food.

The powder concoction lasted one month.  

After a month, I didn't see a huge change but decided to try another month.  After the second month, the heaves were 100% gone, line gone, no coughing. 

I was so surprised and happy but it was going into winter so I thought maybe that was why.

It is now Spring and he is still 100% HEAVES FREE.

It cost me $60 a month but lots less than Vet bills and other products. 

If you would like the recipe, I will share with anyone who wants it.

My Big Boy seems so happy and even neighbors have noticed how much better he looks. I don't know if it will work with your horse, but if I can help just one other horse, this story is well worth it.

Lori Walker Sartain

HorseNBuddy.com@gmail.com

My horse Shiloh, if he can get into something, he will.  I call him Houdini.  He had a bad habit of pawing the fence.  At that time I lived with barbed wire fence due to cows.  He ripped the entire back of his foot off.  It was awful and scary.  The vet came out and gave him meds and I had to soak his foot every day, put antibiotic ointment on it then wrap it.  This was not fun and it was about 6 weeks before it was better, maybe even longer.  As soon as it healed I was so happy.  I could ride again.  

Then, he did it AGAIN!!!  This time nicked his tendon.  It was worse.  A centimeter more and his leg would have been in big trouble.  I had just been introduced to a product called Spurr's Big Fix.  I decided to try it instead of the ointment.  With the wound being worse and second time same foot, it was a miracle as it healed in just 2-3 weeks.  It is the best product on the market it.  Since then, as soon as any of my horses get a cut, I spray it on.  Usually only have to do it once.  My husband uses it on his scrapes and cuts.  I also use it on my dogs.  It is a must have and I would have one in the barn and one in the trailer.

https://spurrsbigfix.com/products/32-oz-wound-skin-hoof-antiseptic

Lori Walker Sartain